A hospice has crowned its top dog of the year ahead of a charity walk later this month.

Milo, a seven-month-old cockapoo puppy, was crowned St Clare Hospice's cutest canine following a Facebook competition in January.

The pooch saw off competition from 28 other dogs to win the poll of hospice supporters, gaining 439 votes.

He will now have the honour of leading off Winter Walkies 5k fundraiser around the hospice's Hastingwood site on Sunday, February 25.

Milo’s owner Nadine Walker, said: “I was over the moon when Milo won the Cutest Canine Competition.

"He is only 7 months old so this will be his first time at the Winter Walkies event and we are really looking forward to it.

"I’m just really happy that Milo can help promote the event, and hopefully raise lots of money for the hospice."

  • St Clare’s Winter Walkies event takes place at 11am on Sunday February 25. To register to take part, visit: stclarehospice.org.uk/event/winter-walkies, or call: 01279 773750